In recent years, rugby has seen a constant stream of law changes, and for the Springboks, this has meant staying adaptable in order to remain at the top of the game. Some of these changes have posed significant challenges, like the restriction on calling for a scrum from a free kick, which has been seen as a setback for the South African team.
There’s also speculation that changes may soon be introduced regarding the number of substitutes allowed, an issue that has gained attention due to the Springboks’ forwards-heavy bench, a feature that has become a hallmark of their strategy. Another change that has impacted the team involves skew throw-ins at lineouts, where the defending team no longer gets a scrum if the throw-in is not contested.
Rian Oberholzer, the CEO of SA Rugby, voiced frustration over these ongoing changes, hinting that it can sometimes feel as if World Rugby is targeting the defending world champions. He mentioned,
“It’s sometimes difficult sitting in the meetings… it feels that when you become world champions, you get punished by World Rugby with certain law changes they’re suggesting.”
Oberholzer also hinted that further changes could be coming after the World Cup, as World Rugby aims to make the game more appealing to fans by introducing laws designed to promote faster play and reduce stoppages.
While these changes continue to evolve, Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks’ director of rugby, subtly commented on the drive to speed up the game. On social media, he posted a reflection on a Six Nations game between England and France, pointing out the discrepancy between stats and excitement. He said,
“England v France had 83 kicks in play, 15 scrums, and only 36 minutes of ball in play, yet it was one of the more exciting games the Six Nations had in a while.”
Erasmus argued that the excitement of rugby shouldn’t solely be judged by statistics. He also highlighted a clever tactic used by France at the lineout, exploiting a new rule that allows throw-ins to be non-straight if the opposition doesn’t contest the throw. He praised the creativity, saying,
“I almost sure your team has to jump and support for that law to apply, otherwise, you can throw it straight to 9… but anyways, it was very creative.”
The ongoing changes and the shift in focus from World Rugby seem to be creating a complex landscape for the Springboks as they navigate the challenges of staying competitive on the global stage.
